Hybrid Capacitor Proton Trapping Separator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid capacitors face issues with long-term stability due to proton production during operation, leading to capacity decrease and performance deterioration.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a lithium compound, such as Li2TiO3, that traps protons between the positive and negative electrodes, or within the separator, to suppress proton-related degradation, along with a carbon material employing a porous or fibrous structure and an electrolytic solution with a lithium salt concentration of at least 1.8 M.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional hybrid capacitor structure with carbon material positive electrode and lithium adsorbing negative electrode is used, then the capacitor can achieve basic charge storage function, but the long-term stability deteriorates due to proton production during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term stabilityVSAvoidproton production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A lithium compound layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the positive and negative electrodes. This layer acts as a mediator that traps protons generated during capacitor operation, preventing them from causing harmful effects while allowing the capacitor to maintain its charge storage function. The lithium compound serves as a buffer that absorbs the harmful protons without disrupting the overall electrochemical process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful protons generated during capacitor operation into a beneficial effect by using the lithium compound to trap these protons. The protons, which would normally cause capacity degradation and stability issues, are instead captured and neutralized by the lithium compound, transforming a harmful byproduct into a mechanism for improving long-term stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If the lithium compound layer is added to trap protons, then the long-term stability improves, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium compound layer is integrated with the existing separator or electrode structure, merging the proton-trapping function with the existing components rather than adding a completely separate element. This integration approach reduces structural complexity while maintaining the beneficial proton-trapping effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lithium compound layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a separator between electrodes, provides mechanical support, and traps protons to improve stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby simplifying the overall structure while achieving the desired stability improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances the long-term stability of hybrid capacitors by preventing proton-induced capacity loss and internal resistance increase, while maintaining effective charge storage and cycle performance.

Implementation Method 1

a lithium compound that traps protons are disposed between the positive-electrode active material layer and the negative-electrode active material layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProton trapping: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a carbon material employing a porous structure or a fibrous structure with an electric double layer capacity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric double layer: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

a negative-electrode active material containing a material capable of adsorbing and releasing lithium ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLithium ion adsorption and release: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10504661B2Hybrid capacitor and separator for hybrid capacitors

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 NIPPON CHEMI CON CORP

AI summary

Provided is a hybrid capacitor with an excellent long-term stability. A hybrid capacitor includes a positive electrode 1 including a positive-electrode active material layer 1a containing a carbon material employing a porous structure or a fibrous structure with an electric double layer capacity, and a negative electrode 2 including a negative-electrode active material 2a containing a material capable of adsorbing and releasing lithium ions. A lithium compound that traps protons is disposed between the positive-electrode active material layer 1a and the negative-electrode active material layer 2a. This hybrid capacitor further includes a separator 3 disposed between the positive-electrode active material layer 1a and the negative-electrode active material layer 2a, and the separator contains the lithium compound.